WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS

THE PERFECT FIT

Congratulations! You’ve found the one! Now what?

When you purchase your wedding dress from a bridal boutique, they will order a size based on your measurements. This is what we call “made-to-order”, these dresses are not “custom-made” to your exact measurements. That’s where your bridal seamstress comes in!

Most of the time, your dress will require minimal alterations such as shortening the hem and straps, and maybe a little taking in here and there. But sometimes the boutique has to order your dress based on your largest measurement (usually your hips for fitted dresses) causing other parts of the dress to be too big. In these cases we need to do a little more work to get the perfect fit.

THE TIMELINE

• First Fitting – Ideally 10-12 weeks before your wedding but shorter timelines can be accommodated.
• Second Fitting – 4-6 weeks before your wedding.
• Final Fitting and Collection – 1-2 weeks before your wedding.

Please allow extra time if you would like to use my bespoke services such as sleeve making or toppers.

THE COST

The cost of alterations is highly dependant on the type of dress, the inner structure and the amount of work required, however the average cost for bridal alterations is around £300-£500. This cost includes:

• Alterations to the dress, up to two times per alteration e.g. taken in at the waist after first fitting, and taken in again after the second fitting.
• A bustle to hook the train up for dancing in the evening.
• All fittings with me, in my cosy and friendly studio.
• Steaming.

For wedding dresses that need to be taken in by 2 sizes or more, you should expect to pay a minimum of £250 for plain dresses, and £450 for lace or beaded dresses. This cost does not include shortening the hem or adding a bustle, this is just for reconstruction of the dress to the correct size.

CONSULTATIONS

Not sure what alterations you need? Whether what you want is even possible? Or would just like to come along to the studio for a chat, to get to know me and see if we’ll make a good team? I try my best to give as much advice through e-mail or DMs as I can but sometimes its just better to see me in person with your dress, to put you at ease. This is particularly helpful if you have bought a sample dress and would like to know if it can be re-sized, or be repaired etc. Consultations with me in-person at my studio are charged at £20.